Recall 16V825 covers 2015-2016 Dutchmen Voltage, Carbon, Fuzion, Raptor, and Impact fifth wheels with ladder hinges that separate. Free repair at any franchised Dutchmen dealer.
Dutchmen is recalling 6,252 2015-2016 Voltage, Carbon, Fuzion, Raptor, and Impact toy hauler fifth wheels because the retractable hinges on certain black aluminum ladders have welded top hats that can separate. If a hinge separates while the ladder is in use, the ladder can fall from the vehicle and injure someone; Dutchmen dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The exterior ladder on these 2015-2016 Dutchmen Voltage, Carbon, Fuzion, Raptor, and Impact toy hauler fifth wheels is built with retractable hinges. Those hinges let the ladder fold or move while still holding the ladder to its mounting brackets. Each hinge uses a welded top hat section to keep the bracket and hinge joined.
On the recalled ladders, the mounting bracket was not welded to the hinge properly. That weak weld lets the top hat section separate from the hinge instead of keeping the ladder structure locked together. Once that joint separates, the ladder loses the secure connection it needs to stay supported during normal use.
Owners can notice the mounting bracket pulling away from the hinge. That separation is the warning sign that the ladder hardware has started to fail.
Who's affected?
Covers five trailer lines across 2015 and 2016, all tied to the same equipment category.
| 2015 Dutchmen Voltage | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2015 Keystone Carbon | Equipment |
| 2016 Keystone Carbon | Equipment |
| 2016 Keystone Fuzion | Equipment |
| 2015 Keystone Fuzion | Equipment |
| 2015 Keystone Raptor | Equipment |
| 2016 Dutchmen Voltage | Equipment |
| 2016 Keystone Raptor | Equipment |
| 2016 Keystone Impact | Equipment |
| 2015 Keystone Impact | Equipment |
| Units affected | 6,252 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A separating mounting bracket can let the ladder hinges separate while the ladder is in use. That can drop the ladder from the vehicle and increase the risk of injury. Treat mounting bracket separation at the hinge as a reason to stop using the ladder and schedule the dealer repair. Repair is free at any franchised Dutchmen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Dutchmen Voltage, Carbon, Fuzion, Raptor, or Impact toy hauler is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Dutchmen dealer to schedule the free hinge-brace installation that reinforces the retractable ladder hinges.
- Call Dutchmen customer service at 1-866-425-4369 with questions.
- Bring the recall notice if Dutchmen mailed one. Reference recall number 16V825 and Dutchmen recall 16-267 when you call.
- Avoid using the rear ladder until the hinge brace is installed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dutchmen technician installs a hinge brace over the back of the existing retractable ladder hinges. The brace reinforces the hinge area where the welded top-hat piece can separate. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid out of pocket for a related ladder hinge repair before the recall notice, ask Dutchmen customer service about reimbursement under its general plan and keep your repair paperwork and receipts together for the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 10, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| November 10, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 15, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 16, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 29, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V825?
Recall 16V825 covers 6,252 2015-2016 Dutchmen Voltage, Carbon, Fuzion, Raptor, and Impact toy hauler fifth wheels with aluminum black ladders made by Christianson Industries. The retractable hinge top hat can separate from the hinge. Dealers will install hinge braces for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Dutchmen Voltage, Carbon, Fuzion, Raptor, or Impact is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fifth wheel is included in recall 16V825. If it is, stop using the ladder until a franchised Dutchmen dealer installs the hinge brace. Reference recall 16V825 and Dutchmen recall 16-267 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 16V825, the dealer will install a hinge brace over the back of the existing ladder hinges free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury from a ladder fall. If the hinge separates while someone is using the ladder, the ladder can fall from the fifth wheel. Until the hinge brace is installed, avoid using the ladder and schedule the free repair.
What if I bought this fifth wheel used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Dutchmen fifth wheel is included, then call a franchised Dutchmen dealer and reference recall 16V825.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V825000 |
|---|---|
| Dutchmen customer service | 1-866-425-4369 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V825 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V825000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →